Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

Poultry Programs and Services

Contact:

edward.hageman@state.ma.us

The Division of Animal Health Poultry Program strives to educate producers and consumers about the benefits of local poultry and poultry products. Massachusetts law (MGL Ch 129 sec 26B) requires that all live poultry or hatching eggs moving within the Commonwealth originate from current certified Salmonella pullorum clean flocks. The testing is free and can be arranged by calling MDAR at (617) 626-1795. Other poultry testing available to Massachusetts producers are Avian influenza, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagradis and Salmonella enteritidis. The poultry program provides producers and consumers with educational materials, production support, egg safety, egg handling and inspections.

The definition of poultry includes, but is not limited to chickens, guinea fowl, peafowl, pheasants, partridges, quail and turkeys.

The Poultry Diagnostic Testing Services are available to all residents of the commonwealth. The Massachusetts General Law Chapter 129, Section 26B requires that all hatching eggs and poultry (except those for immediate slaughter ) entering the commowealth or moving within the commonwealth, be progeny of, or originate from, a salmonella pullorum-typhoid clean flock. The routine inspection and testing of poultry flocks within the commonwealth ensures it’s participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). Compliance with the NPIP and all required paperwork allows for poultry to move throughout the country and overseas.

The Poultry Division also administers an Egg Grading Program encompassing many different inspectional programs for hatcheries, egg grading stations, egg packers and retail store egg sales.

Poultry Programs and Services

The Next Massachusetts Poultry Enhancement Council Meeting (MPEC)

(To be Announced)